BETANCES IN THE 8TH, JANSEN IN THE 9TH

(Oct. 17, 2016 - Source: Harry How/Getty Images North America)

This is what we like here at BYB... good dialog. 

Now, if you read us regularly, you know that I for one is very excited about the possible return of Aroldis Chapman.  I think he brings star power and guts in the pen and he wants to come back... the Yankees WANT him back too.  But money is something that is definitely getting in the way of this deal.  

(Photo: Getty Images)

Chapman wants 5 years, $100 million.  The Yanks would prefer not to do that.  And so, what happens then? Do they move on? 

BYB reader and writer for Pinstripe State of Mind, Nate Weiser has a better idea. If not Chapman, how about Kenley Jansen? That's right, move Betances back to 8th (something I personally would like), and put Jansen in there.  And the reason? Well... he's cheaper of course.  Read this...

(Oct. 17, 2016 - Source: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images North America)

"A move that the Yankees should make that involves their bullpen is acquiring an elite closer so that Dellin Betances can go back to being an elite set up man. Betances broke down and was much less effective during the end of last season and it’s possible that that might not happen if he is pitching primarily in the eighth inning instead....The Yankees are rumored to be interested in signing Chapman, who they traded to the Cubs on July 25 for top shortstop prospect Gleyber Torres, Billy McKinney, Rashad Crawford and Warren... Another proven commodity at the closer spot who is currently available is Kenley Jansen...

An advantage to signing Jansen instead of Chapman would be that he likely would not command as high of a contract as Chapman..."

(Oct. 29, 2016 - Source: Stacy Revere/Getty Images North America)

Now while this makes plenty of sense, my feeling is the love the Yankees have for Chapman and vice versa should at least help them hammer out a smart contract both parties can enjoy.  Jansen, while great, has never played in the Bronx and we just don't know what to expect and so I hesitate. 

(Sept. 25, 2016 - Source: Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images North America)

But hey... when it comes down to it... the Yankees need a "top" closer, despite Hal's suggestion that Betances can handle that closer role. Yes, Betances CAN... but he needs more time to develop.  That's my opinion of course.

So... right now it comes down to Chapman vs. Jansen. And in the end, Nate Weiser is right... it will come down to money.

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